15 Luxurious Small Cars and Crossovers

In the past, luxury was at least partially defined by size. That's changing. There's been a revolution in small cars and crossovers, and today the market is packed with pint-sized machines that fit the luxury of larger cars into a more modest and efficient footprint.

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Infiniti Q30

Base Price: $30,000 (estimated)

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 208 hp

Coolest Option: Around View Monitor (price N/A)

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Infiniti Q30

It may be hard to imagine, but beneath the swoopy, sensuous lines of this all-new compact hatchback are the bones of a Mercedes-Benz. That includes the chassis of this car as well as its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and dual-clutch transmission. That's no bad thing really. The Q30 should be quite lively on the backroads, since Infiniti have done their own tuning to the suspension system.

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Infiniti Q30

Inside, there's a mix of Mercedes-Benz knobs and buttons and Infiniti's own materials and designs. Expect the full roster of safety tech to be optional on the Q30 when it arrives this spring. This Infiniti is small: With a wheelbase of 106.3 inches, it's about the size of an average compact hatch. Those tidy dimensions should make this a great driving little luxury hatch.

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Lexus CT 200h

Base Price: $32,190

Engine: 1.8-liter four-cylinder, 134 system horsepower

Coolest Option: $1,180 F Sport Package

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Lexus CT 200h

The Lexus CT hybrid was a pioneer in compact luxury cars. When it arrived in 2011 it had virtually no competition, and today this little hatchback is the only one that comes exclusively as a hybrid. The CT starts at just over $30,000 and delivers a solid 43 mpg city and 40 mpg on the highway. It uses the Toyota Prius's powertrain, and the 134 horsepower of the hybrid system doesn't provide robust acceleration. Still, choose the new F Sport model and the tuned springs and dampers, which should make the Lexus more fun to drive.

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Lexus CT 200h

The CT's mission is one of responsible luxury, so the cabin is filled with ecological plastics and seating surfaces made from materials that emit fewer emissions during the manufacturing process. Even the speakers use sustainable bamboo. The CT can be optioned with a long list of tech including the Lexus navigation system with its mouse-like Remote Touch controller, as well as safety systems like dynamic radar cruise control and Lexus's pre-collision system, which warns you and readies the other safety systems if it determines an accident could occur.

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Audi S3

Base Price: $42,500

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 292 hp

Coolest Option: $2000 Black Optic Performance Package

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Audi S3

Audi's A3 is one of our favorite compact luxury sedans, and it's a great deal starting at just over $30,000. But it's the high-performance S3 version that we really enjoy. This one packs a tuned 292 hp turbocharged four-cylinder channeled through a six-speed dual clutch transmission to the company's Quattro all-wheel drive system. There's 72 more hp than the standard A3. Quick? Oh yes. You'll be able to hit 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds.

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Audi S3

Audi's Drive Select system let's you modify certain vehicle parameters like engine, transmission, and steering response. This is an expensive performance car so quite a lot of equipment comes standard. However, the Prestige package brings navigation, parking assist systemsm and blind spot warning. The top performing S3s will wear the Performance Package with 19-inch wheels and dampers adjustable through the Drive Select system. Just be prepared for some bumps. This is a sporting machine with a firm ride.

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Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

Base Price: $49,500

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 375 hp

Coolest Option: $2,800 AMG Dynamic Plus (sport tech)

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Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

Just like Audi's S3 is the high-performance version of the A3, the CLA 45 AMG is the top-performing model in the CLA range. Even though this is the smallest and least expensive AMG model, it certainly isn't slow. The turbocharged four cylinder now makes 375 hp for 2016 (up from 355) and generates 350 lb-ft of torque. It's a little monster and it runs through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. This compact luxury hot rod is a blast to drive hard.

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Mercedes CLA 45 AMG

Plant the right pedal and this machine's all-wheel drive system will thrust you through the quarter-mile in just under 13 seconds. And it makes lovely brazen noises when the engine is on full boil. It's fun through the twists, too. But if hauling passengers in the rear seat is a priority, they shouldn't be tall ones. There's not a lot of headroom back there.

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BMW i3

Base Price: $42,400

Engine: Electric motor, 170 hp

Coolest Option: $1080 BMW Charging Station

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BMW i3

The futuristic i3 isn't quite like any other upscale small car here. This tiny EV has been engineered to be efficient first and a progressively modern take on luxury second. The aluminum chassis and carbon fiber-reinforced plastic body helps keep the weight down and allow the electric powertrain to power the BMW up to 80 miles on an electric charge (at 124 MPGe), or 150 miles when the optional small range-extender motorcycle engine is added.

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BMW i3

Yet this EV isn't slow. Our friends at Car and Driver have clocked it to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. But it is an eco machine, so the luxurious trappings on the inside feel a lot like a room at an expensive yet socially responsible boutique hotel. The i3 is a BMW, so it can be optioned with plenty of safety and comfort tech like active cruise control and the parking assistance package.

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Audi Q3

Base Price: $33,700

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 200 hp

Coolest Option: $550 Sport Package

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Audi Q3

Tiny luxury crossovers like the Q3 are fueling the boom in small upscale cars; it appears on the same shopping lists that also include the BMW X1 and Mercedes-Benz GLA. The Q3 is about ten inches shorter than Audi's most popular crossover, the Q5. Like its big brother, the Q3 is handsome both inside and out.

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Audi Q3

The turbocharged four-cylinder is hitched to a six-speed automatic; Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive system is optional. The Q3 may be cute, but it's not exactly quick. With 48 cu-ft. of cargo space when that rear seat is folded down, though, at least it's useful. And it's a great way to get an Audi for not a lot of dough. Check every option and the Q3 creeps slightly north of $40,000.

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Mercedes GLA 250

Base Price: $32,500

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 208 hp

Coolest Option: $2,600 Night Package (blacked out trim)

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Mercedes GLA 250

The GLA 250 occupies the lowest level in Mercedes-Benz's crossover and SUV portfolio, but it's one of the most stylish, with tight proportions and short overhangs. Like its rivals, the GLA isn't big. Yet there's just more than 17 cu-ft. of space behind the rear seat, which is on par for a midsize sedan and on the roomy side for its class.

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Mercedes GLA 250

The turbo four-cylinder makes the GLA quite a quick machine. However the dual-clutch transmission provides slow and clunky operation around town. Unlike Audi's soft Q3, the GLA is a firm-riding crossover with sharp moves when the roads bend. This powertrain and suspension tune might make the GLA a bit too aggressive for drivers seeking a relaxing commute.

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Acura ILX

Base Price: $27,900

Engine: 2.4-liter four-cylinder, 201 hp

Coolest Option: $1300 Acura Watch Plus (safety tech)

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Acura ILX

Think of the ILX as a well-dressed and well-equipped Honda Civic. The two share the same basic platform. Trouble is, it's the old Civic platform, which means this Acura is riding one generation behind Honda.

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Acura ILX

No matter: The Acura has a unique powertrain that's a joy to live with. And that new 2.4-liter four-cylinder is matched to the smart 8-speed dual-clutch transmission. It makes the ILX not only quiet on the highway (thanks to that 8th gear) but also responsive around town. The ILX strikes a good balance between ride and handling, but its pedestrian compact car roots become clear on a twisty road. Still, for under $30,000 here's a comfortable, stylish, and likely very reliable small luxury car.

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Mini Cooper Hardtop JCW

Base Price: $30,600

Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 228 hp

Coolest Option: $170 Union Jack Roof Decal

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Mini Cooper Hardtop JCW

Mini's revival set the stage for a revival of small, hip cars with upscale appeal. The one that best exemplifies the brand is the high-performance John Cooper Works model. Its turbo four-cylinder has enough scoot to push the Mini to 60 mph in six seconds flat, according to Car and Driver. But like many performance machines, the Mini's ride is a bit too brittle for some.

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Mini Cooper Hardtop JCW

One of the coolest things about Mini is the level of customization. No two Minis ever seem to be alike. The JCW model alone offers four different wheels, seven leather seating choices, and a long list of options. That allows buyers to personalize their cars, but these options can really add to the price tag. It's not uncommon for a loaded JCW to stretch past $40,000.

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Fiat 500 Abarth

Base Price: $22,495

Engine: 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, 160 hp

Coolest Option: $595 Scorpion Package (Abarth logo items)

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Fiat 500 Abarth

The 500 is easily one of the most stylish of all sub-compact cars, and the focus on design inside and out make it feel like a more expensive car than it is. But the model that takes the little Fiat to exclusive territory is the Abarth, the hotly tuned version of the 500 with 160 hp and a loud and aggressive exhaust note. This is a car that sounds angry all the time.

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Fiat 500 Abarth

The Abarth is quick (0-60 mph in around 7 seconds) and fun. But it's the small touches that make it feel special, like the thick flat-bottom leather steering wheel and the beautiful leather-wrapped shift knob. For open-air fans, there's even a cabriolet model for an additional $4,100. Stick with the hard top and even if you select every option Fiat offers, the Abarth won't hit $30,000.

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